opening

Everyday

1. An opening is a gap or hole that something can pass through. tree →
2. An opening is the start of something, such as a story, film, game or match. tree →
3. An opening is a chance or a free job or place, such as a job opening. tree →
4. The opening of a shop, bridge or show is the event when it first starts to be used. tree →
5. Opening is the -ing form of open: making something open. tree →

In the lessons

In stories the opening is the first part that grabs the reader; teachers ask pupils to write a strong opening. In science, animals and plants have openings (a mouth, a pore). In everyday life: opening hours, opening night, an opening ceremony. In chess and sport the opening is the first moves. Phrases: opening hours, opening line, grand opening, opening ceremony, an opening for (a chance).

Examples

• The mouse squeezed through a small opening in the fence. tree →
• The opening of the story begins with a storm. tree →
• The shop's opening hours are nine to five. tree →
• The Olympic opening ceremony was full of fireworks. tree →
• There is a job opening at the library. tree →
• She is opening her birthday presents. tree →
• The striker saw an opening and scored. tree →
• Write an opening sentence that makes the reader curious. tree →
• She saw an opening that led into the depths below. tree →

Note

Countable: one opening, two openings. As a noun it is the start or a hole; as a verb form it needs be (is opening) or comes after other verbs. Opening hours = the times a place is open. Do not confuse with open (adjective): the door is open, not the door is opening, unless it is moving now.

In Jewish tradition

In stories the opening is the first part that grabs the reader; teachers ask pupils to write a strong opening. In science, animals and plants have openings (a mouth, a pore). In everyday life: opening hours, opening night, an opening ceremony. In chess and sport the opening is the first moves. Phrases: opening hours, opening line, grand opening, opening ceremony, an opening for (a chance).

Examples

• Seeing many things, thou observest not; opening the ears, he heareth not. (Prophets ISA.42.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• The opening of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Writings PSA.119.130, JPS 1917) tree →
• Hear, for I will speak excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things. (Writings PRO.8.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: one opening, two openings. As a noun it is the start or a hole; as a verb form it needs be (is opening) or comes after other verbs. Opening hours = the times a place is open. Do not confuse with open (adjective): the door is open, not the door is opening, unless it is moving now.